There are a lot of major events going on in November that you don’t want to miss: fashion shows, all kinds of concerts, food fairs, and much more. In this event roundup, we collect all of the important happenings taking place in Hungary’s capital during the upcoming weeks, so that you can plan ahead to attend whatever events are the most interesting for you. Get out there and enjoy everything that Budapest has to offer!
1/13
Christmas fairs
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here once again, and already during November the sky starts to sparkle with festive spirit across Hungary’s capital as autumn glides into winter and holiday-season fairs start popping up in numerous squares and monumental buildings. Scented with spicy mulled wine and chimney cakes baking over open fires, these Christmas markets amaze visitors of all ages with old-fashioned wooden toys and other handicrafts, live folk-music concerts, delicious delicacies, and even some avant-garde surprises. A Christmasy market fills Fashion Street all throughout November, while the market at opens on November 11th, the Christmas Market at the welcomes the public beginning on November 25th, and the charming Advent Feast at the begins on November 27th, among many other jolly bazaars that will be making Magyars merry this month.
2/13
Electronic Beats Festival Budapest
Telekom Electronic Beats is an exclusive music and lifestyle extravaganza that has played an important role in the music scene of several cities across Europe for more than 15 years. Last year, the prestigious series was presented as a specially curated, multiple-day spectacle that now makes a big comeback between November 4-5, with the most prominent names of the electronic and popular music scene – Bat For Lashes, Julio Bashmore, Brandt Brauer Frick, Floating Points – performing at Akvárium Klub. In addition to the performances of an impressive international lineup, the festival also features cultural events right in the heart of Budapest. More details
3/13
Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival
The largest human rights documentary film festival in Hungary, Verzió – which takes place between November 8-13 at five different cinemas – uses the powerful medium of film to promote mutual understanding among peoples and cultures and to heighten public awareness about human rights. The Verzió film festival seeks to promote open society, democracy, and cultural tolerance, as well as to expose human-rights violations around the world. Apart from screenings, the program also includes meet and greets, workshops, concerts, and parties. More details
4/13
Wolfmother concert
Pledging allegiance to thick, throttling fuzz guitars, primal psychedelia, and thundering rhythms, the 21st-century rock revivalists Wolfmother split the difference between the classic sludge of Black Sabbath and the retro-garage rock of the White Stripes. Led by guitarist/vocalist Andrew Stockdale, the power trio came storming out of Sydney in 2006 with a self-titled debut that was filled with infectious hits like “Woman” or “Joker & The Thief”. Ever since then, the band gathered a large group of followers who are also devoted to their heavy, riff-oriented rock – who will surely rock out with them on November 9th at Akvárium. Before the Australian Led Zeppelin, Mother’s Cake will mix styles of stoner, psychedelic, and progressive rock.
5/13
Rombusz Terasz (Closed)
Everybody gathers around the fire during autumn and winter, so why not think about these occasions as an opportunity to grill bacon and drink mulled wine together? During November 10-13, you can do this in the heart of the Budapestian downtown, as will provide all the necessary equipments, the campfire spots and the liquid belly-and heartwarmers – you just have to bring your crew and have some memorable time together. What's not to love about that? More details
6/13
Reel Rock Film Festival
The Reel Rock Film Tour has brought the best climbing and adventure films to local audiences across the globe since 2006. Reel Rock shows are anticipated by eager film lovers and climbers alike. Between November 10-11 at Corvin Cinema, there will be another opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to gather and celebrate the ultimate adventure stories told in filmmaking with no less than five new Reel Rock films. A real rush of adrenaline, not just for climbers, but for everybody. More details
7/13
St. Martin’s Day Festival
As a highlight of the harvest season every November 11th, this day honors St. Martin of Tours – born within the nation’s boundaries in 316 AD – with gluttonous holiday gatherings countrywide. From grand festivals to diverse restaurants presenting special meals that showcase goose delicacies, Budapest presents many enticing offers and events on this delightful occasion, but the city’s biggest celebration is the St. Martin’s Day Wine Festival at the historic Gellért Hotel happening during November 10-12, including plenty of wine tastings, live entertainment, and special goose-based feasts.
8/13
Placebo concert
In an amazingly creative way, Placebo tangles the depressive maximalism, outsider’s pain, and models of difficult (mostly unfortunate) relationships with melody and sensuality, making them one of the brightest luminaries of British alternative rock. To celebrate two decades since the release of their debut platinum-awarded album “Placebo”, the band embarked on a special “20 Years Of Placebo” tour this year. On November 11th, they’re giving a show at the Budapest Sportaréna. To thank Placebo’s loyal fans, the concert’s playlists will be compiled of their most successful and popular material, which needless to say will not let down anyone who has ever heard anything about Placebo. A special concert that is a must-see experience for all of their fans.
9/13
Marie Claire Fashion Days 2016
Between November 11-13, turns into a catwalk, where up-and-coming Hungarian designer brands like MEI KAWA, NON+, Tomcsanyi, or Sandor Lakatos Menswear will present their latest collections. To make the upcoming days even more fabulous, their models won't be the only ones who'll inhabit the stage: the students of famous French institutions ESMOD, EnsAD, and Duperré will also bring their diploma works to the local fashion addicts. But if you aren't interested in the most important clothes of our times, you still have enough reason to visit the event: there will be a lot of international brands out there offering discounts, organizing lotteries, and answering your questions. More details
10/13
Budapest Jewish Film Festival
With a broad lineup of the latest movies depicting today’s Jewish culture and heritage, the Budapest Jewish Film Festival – which will take place between November 17-20 at and this year – is the largest event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. The current program features a fresh selection of recent pictures from France (Once In A Lifetime), the United States (Listen Up Philip), Argentina (Mr. Kaplan), Germany (Labyrinth Of Lies), Canada (The Kind Words), Hungary (Soul Exodus), and Israel (Mr. Gaga). Most of the films are screened with original audio and Hungarian/English subtitles. More details
11/13
Total Dance Festival
Allow yourself to be transported back to the almighty ’90s, with the help of some of the era’s most well-known entertainers like Vengaboys, Dr. Alban, DJ Sash! or Corona. On November 19, sing hallelujah and feel like you’ve taken a trip to Ibiza without actually leaving Hungexpo. The Total Dance Festival is back for another blast of Eurodance-flavored nostalgia, and of course, a lineup that features some of the bigest local and international stars of a bygone era. From 6pm to 4am, the retro disco won’t stop, and all the lasers, confetti, and megahits will surely make you party like your teenage years haven't ended yet. Get in the rhythm of the night! More details
12/13
Microsoft PlayIT Show Budapest
The PlayIT Show, taking place on November 26th at Hungexpo, is the successor of the Budapest Game Show, which was Hungary's first real game expo. PlayIT provides interesting and varied programs for all ages and genders, who are interested in the world of IT, mobile, and video games. Just a quick look at all the different things that you'll surely find at PlayIT: a cosplay village, e-sport championships (Heartstone, League Of Legends, Battlefield, Counter Strike and others), HammerTime Cafe, an interactive retro console, and a papercraft exhibition, workshops, and all kinds of sport activities like darts or table football. All we can say is: play now! More details
13/13
Hungarian New Wine and Cheese Festival
Enjoy a wide assortment of Hungary’s finest harvest-season flavors when this annual food fair fills the halls of the Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park during November 26-27 between 10am and 6pm each day. Visitors can sample all kinds of recently bottled Magyar-made wines ranging from Chardonnay to Kékfrankos rosé to Portugieser, all to be savored with various locally made cheeses. Live entertainment and traditional wine-related ceremonies make this event a must-see spectacle for any true Hungarian-wine connoisseur. More details (mostly in Hungarian)
